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The IR Practitioners in Africa forum supports members by promoting the views of investor relations practitioners in the region to the investment community, regulatory bodies and government. It offers education and training courses intended to increase awareness of investor relations techniques and best practice. Member announcements and blogs inform members of trends and pressing topics. The community's website acts as a platform for communication, and provides research and information on all aspects of the investor relations profession. The forum provides regular and unique opportunities for members to network and exchange views. These include on-line chat sessions, webinars, conferences and presentations by leading figures.

Investor Relations (IR) is a strategic management responsibility that integrates finance, communication, marketing and securities law compliance to enable the most effective two-way communication between a company, the financial community, and other constituencies, which ultimately contributes to a company's securities achieving fair valuation. (NIRI)

The term describes the department of a company devoted to handling inquiries from shareholders and investors, as well as others who might be interested in a company's stock or financial stability. The investor relations function also often includes the transmission of information relating to intangible values such as the company's policy on corporate governance or corporate social responsibility.

The investor relations function must be aware of current and upcoming issues that an organisation or issuer may face, particularly those that relate to fiduciary duty and organisational impact.

In particular, it must be able to assess the various patterns of stock-trading that a public company may experience, often as the result of a public disclosure (or any research reports issued by financial analysts).

The investor relations department must also work closely with the company secretary on legal and regulatory matters that affect shareholders.

While most IRO's would report to the chief financial officer, they will usually also have access to the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman or President of the corporation.

This means that as well as being able to understand and communicate the company's financial strategy, they are also able to communicate the broader strategic direction of the corporation and ensure that the image of the corporation is maintained in a cohesive fashion.

Due to the potential impact of legal liability claims awarded by courts, and the consequential impact on the company's share price, IR often has a role in crisis management of, for example, corporate downsizing, changes in management or internal structure, product liability issues and industrial disasters.

In a bear market, IROs will want to stay visible and build relationships, be factual in tone and not too quick to make promises, focus on the long-term story and balance sheet strength (as opposed to short-term earnings growth), aggressively refute rumors and answer concerns of investors, and coordinate media relations and investor communications.

Join the IR professionals in Africa forum to hone your skills and share your expertise in this most demanding public relations field.

A relevant experience, specific to your career and reserved exclusively for investor relations professionals. Networking made easy… the IR Practitioners in Africa forum features give you the tools to connect with people from academia, the services business and industry. IR Practitioners in Africa is your link to the other financial professionals. Network with peers and interact with colleagues, across the region & around the world, to discuss the topics most important to your community. This is your connection to an industry filled with experience & perspective for the benefit of your company and your career. Here is a sample of what you can do:

• Stay in touch and stay current with your network of new and existing contacts. Advanced search allows you to find experts, strategic partners and suppliers.
• Find or post events, invite attendees. Let others know what events you’ll be attending or hosting.
• Add your presentations, images and share documents.
• Share your thoughts and insights using an online blog or forum.
• Receive testimonials from clients or colleagues you work with.
• Receive new employment opportunities based on your job preferences.
• Find others who share your passions. Elicit feedback on topics of interest.
• Raise your issues or questions in the forum in promoting your company, your research, your products and expertise
• Chat online with others who log in, share thought leadership
• Need some help? Ask our IR experts your questions!